The ex-Air Inter A330s could soon be flying for Sabena
Herman De Wulf/BRUSSELS
Sabena is considering the interim replacement of its three Airbus A310s early in 1997 with three leased ex-Air France Europe/Air Inter A330-300s.
The Belgian airline has been examining the A330 and Boeing 767 as potential long-term replacements for its current A310 fleet, with both types possessing greater capacity and range for long-haul operations to Africa and to the Middle East.
The A330-200 is under consideration, but this is not available until mid-1998, which would provide a window for the interim lease. Within Sabena, there are rumours that the A330 could be introduced as soon as February 1997, with the airline seriously considering the interim lease of the Air France A330s from Airbus.
Sabena could not confirm that a deal had already been concluded to lease the three A330-300s in February, saying that no final decision has been taken, and that the 767 is still under consideration. It says that a decision will not be taken by the Sabena board before 20 December.
The three Air France Europe A330s were delivered in 1994, and form part of the original Air Inter order for up to 15 aircraft. Air France says that it will have returned all three A330s to Airbus "by the beginning of 1997", and will not receive any more examples, having decided to concentrate on increased-frequency services using the smaller A320 family.
Source: Flight International
